Having recently obtained the necessary permits, Mondi is proceeding with the investment in a new 300,000 tonne per annum paper machine at Ruzomberok in Slovakia, with start-up expected towards the end of 2020.
The machine will produce a new and environmentally sound containerboard grade, ‘kraft top white’, which combines the strength, printability and appearance benefits of a white virgin fibre top layer with the economic advantages of a recycled fibre bottom layer. Mondi says its ‘kraft top white’ will target the growing markets for applications such as shelf-ready packaging, point of sale displays, customised packaging, e-commerce, consumer durables and other specialised applications.
The related pulp mill upgrade at the same site is progressing according to plan with start-up expected in late 2019. This upgrade will de-bottleneck pulp production by 100,000 tonnes per annum, which will be integrated into the containerboard production once the new machine ramps up.
The total project cost has been revised to €340 million (up from €310 million), as a result of refinements to the machine’s technical concept and higher construction costs since the project was initially scoped. Group capital expenditure continues to be in line with its previous estimate of €700-800 million per annum in 2018 and 2019.
Commenting on the project, Mondi Group CEO Peter Oswald said, “This investment provides an exciting opportunity for Mondi to leverage our cost advantaged mill in Slovakia to complement our portfolio and serve a growing market with innovative and sustainable containerboard solutions.”
